WiFi in Peru: Stay Connected Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Signal)

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Headed to Lima and wondering how to stay connected while hopping between shops, bites of ceviche, coastal views, and colonial streets? Whether you’re working remotely, keeping in touch with family, or just want to post that perfect pisco sour in real time, staying online in Lima is surprisingly easy—with a little planning.

From hotel WiFi and SIM cards to eSIMs and my own iPhone meltdown (don’t worry, it had a happy ending), this is your complete guide to staying connected in Peru.

Why Staying Connected Matters (Possibly Too Much) to Me

Maybe I should learn to detach more. But truthfully? There’s something essential about staying in touch with my people while I travel.

This goes way back. I have vivid memories of standing in payphones across the globe, jabbing in my calling card number (basically a credit card for phone calls). I even traded dollars for rubles on the black market just to call home from Russia in 1989.

Some might say I have issues. I say I have experience.

So let the fruits of my compulsive connectivity help you on your trip to Lima.

6 Tips to Stay Connected in Peru

Read along for these key tips to stay connected.

1. Hotel WiFi in Lima: Your Easiest First Step

Let’s start with what’s (usually) free: WiFi.

Most hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels in Lima offer complimentary WiFi, and in popular neighborhoods like Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro, it’s generally solid.

• Mid-range and upscale hotels typically have speeds good enough for video calls and streaming
• Budget stays may charge extra or have slower speeds—always check the fine print
• Airbnb reviews often mention WiFi reliability—don’t skip the comments

Best for: Email, WhatsApp, Google Maps, and trip planning.

But if you’re out exploring all day, you’ll want something more mobile.

2. WhatsApp Is Everything in Peru

If you don’t already use WhatsApp, now’s the time to download it. It’s not optional in Peru—it’s how everything works.

• Locals use it for everything from casual chats to business deals
• Airbnb hosts, restaurants, and tour guides rely on it for confirmations and directions
• It runs on WiFi or data and makes messaging, voice calls, and location-sharing super easy

Get your travel crew and your family on it before you leave. You’ll thank yourself later.

3. SIM Cards in Lima: Physical vs. eSIM Options

Want reliable, all-day connectivity? A local SIM (or eSIM) is your best bet. It’s way cheaper than international roaming.

Physical SIM Cards: Tried and True

Lima’s three major mobile carriers:

• Claro – Great coverage across the country
• Movistar – Affordable packages, solid urban signal
• Entel – Good prepaid options and friendly customer service

Where to buy:

• Official stores at malls like Larcomar, Jockey Plaza, or Real Plaza
• Convenience shops and authorized resellers
• Lima airport kiosks (more convenient, slightly higher prices)

Expect to pay around 10–20 soles (about $3–6 USD) for a prepaid SIM with a few GB of data. You’ll need your passport to register.

What About eSIMs?

If you’re using a newer iPhone (like the 14 or 15), you’re likely eSIM-only.

Good news—Claro, Movistar, and Entel all support eSIMs. You can:

• Buy one in person at a carrier store (passport required)
• Set one up before your trip through services like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad

These are great if you’re traveling through multiple countries or want to keep your home number active while using local data.

4. Should You Skip the SIM?

Maybe! If you’re just visiting for a few days and your carrier has a decent international plan, you might not need a local SIM.

• T-Mobile, Google Fi, and some AT&T plans include free or affordable international data

This is how we usually operate as Verizon has just launched some great options for international travel.

But if you’re in Lima for more than a few days—or want better speeds and lower costs—local SIMs and eSIMs are the smarter choice.

5. Tech Support in Lima: My iPhone Scare (and Rescue)

So, my iPhone stopped charging halfway through my Lima trip. Cue full panic. I swapped cables. Swapped adapters. Nothing.

I was about to accept life as a MagSafe-only traveler (not ideal when you’re out all day), but then I found iProStore in Miraflores—right above the Juan Valdez café. (Yes, that Juan Valdez. Gen X friends, I see you.)

Turns out, it was just a bit of gunk in the charging port. They cleaned it out in under two minutes and sent me on my way.

Take a breath. Go to a trusted Apple-authorized repair shop. Sometimes it’s not a disaster—it’s just lint.

Android Users, You’ve Got Options Too

Plenty of reliable repair shops around:

• Malls like Jockey Plaza and Larcomar
• Electronics markets like Polvos Azules (stick to reputable vendors and use your judgment)

6. Download the LATAM Play App Before You Fly

If you’re flying LATAM Airlines (which, let’s be honest, you probably are), here’s the deal: many flights don’t have seatback screens. Instead, they stream content through their LATAM Play app.

But you have to download it before boarding. You won’t be able to get it once you’re in the air, and airport WiFi is often too spotty.

Save yourself the boredom—download LATAM Play ahead of time, and don’t forget your headphones.

Smart Tech Tips for a Smoother Trip

A few extra ways to stay sane and connected while you explore:

• Download offline Google Maps for Lima
• Bring a power bank (and double-check airline rules for how to pack it)
• Use Google Translate in offline mode—seriously helpful for menus
• Save hotel details, reservation numbers, and emergency contacts in your Notes app
• Take photos of key documents like your passport and insurance, and back them up to the cloud

WiFi in Peru Connectivity Checklist

Make sure you’ve got all your bases covered:

• Ask about WiFi quality when booking
• Download WhatsApp
• Get a local SIM card or install an eSIM
• Review your international data plan
• Get familiar with the latest essential travel apps ahead of time
• Know where to go for tech help (iProStore is your friend)
• Download LATAM Play before takeoff
• Pack a power bank and prep your essentials offline

Have a tech tip or connectivity win (or fail!) from Lima? Tell me in the comments—I want to hear it. Or tag me on Instagram and show me how you’re staying connected in Peru!